New Study Finds Even Small Amounts of Physical Activity Can Improve Brain Health

A new study published Monday in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health has found that even small amounts of physical activity can have a positive effect on a person’s brain health. The study, conducted by researchers at the Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health in the United Kingdom, used data from the 1970 British Cohort Study to track the health of a group of people born in the U.K. in 1970.

The study found that even as little as 6 to 9 minutes of physical activity per day was linked to a slight decline in memory and thinking abilities. Lead study author John Mitchell said that the differences, though small, show how even minor changes in physical activity levels can affect a person’s health, including brain health.

To further examine how physical activity affects brain health, researchers used activity monitors to track the 24-hour movements of nearly 4,500 people in the United Kingdom for seven days. They then examined how participants’ behavior affected their short-term memory, problem-solving and processing skills.

The study found that those who engaged in more vigorous activities, such as running or cycling, had better cognitive performance than those who engaged in less vigorous activities, such as walking or stretching. The study also found that those who engaged in more vigorous activities for longer periods of time had better cognitive performance than those who engaged in shorter, more intense activities.

The findings of this study suggest that even small amounts of physical activity can have a positive effect on a person’s brain health. The researchers hope that their findings will encourage people to be more mindful of their physical activity levels and to make sure they are getting enough exercise to maintain their cognitive performance.